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Updated: May 28, 2026
04:18
Modeling Ascending Vaginal Infection, Preterm Birth, and Neonatal Morbidity in Mice
Published on: October 10, 2025
Maternal periodontitis as a risk factor for prematurity.
Maria Dilma B V Piscoya1, Ricardo A A Ximenes, Genivaldo M Silva
1Children and Adolescents' Health, Hospital das Clínicas, Recife, Brazil. dilmavp@uol.com.br
Summary
Maternal periodontitis is strongly linked to premature birth. Regular dental check-ups during pregnancy are crucial for preventing preterm delivery and ensuring better maternal and infant health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Periodontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Maternal periodontitis is a potential risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Investigating the association between periodontitis and prematurity is critical for maternal and child health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between maternal periodontitis and premature delivery.
- To identify risk factors associated with prematurity in the context of periodontal health.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 718 women post-delivery (360 premature, 358 full-term).
- Data collected included sociodemographic, obstetric, prenatal, perinatal, and periodontal parameters within 48 hours of delivery.
- Periodontitis defined by specific probing depth and attachment loss criteria across multiple teeth.
Main Results:
- Periodontitis showed a significant association with prematurity (OR 6.95).
- Factors like young maternal age, low income, limited education, smoking, and infections were linked to prematurity.
- Even after adjusting for confounders, periodontitis remained an independent risk factor for prematurity (aOR 6.05).
Conclusions:
- Maternal periodontitis is a strong predictor of premature birth.
- Routine periodontal screening and treatment during pregnancy are recommended.
- Addressing periodontal health can contribute to reducing the incidence of preterm births.
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